The United Kingdom is blessed with many fine universities, several of which are in Scotland, but only two rank consistently amongst the very best in the world, Cambridge and Oxford. This initiative is designed to help students from Scottish state secondary schools get into Cambridge.

What you get

1. The University ranked fifth in the world in The Times Higher Education World University Rankings and first in the UK in the Complete University Guide.
2. The University Is renowned for small group and individual tuition led by world experts.
3. The University operates a highly supportive, stimulating and engaging Collegiate system, a home away from home that offers a lifelong connection. Students benefit from two layers of academic, pastoral, social and recreational support from the University and from the Colleges.
4. The University boasts a drop-out rate of 1%, the lowest in the UK (What Uni).
5. The University also ranks No. 5 in the world overall in the QS World University Rankings and sits top in the UK and 5th in the world in the 2025 assessment of graduate employability.
6. On top of all that, Cambridge is a very pleasant – and relatively cheap – place to live and work, where all parts of the University are within easy reach on foot or by bicycle.

Why Cambridge for students from Scotland?

Cambridge, as noted above, is one of the best universities in the world, however you look at it.

No matter what the future holds for Scotland, it is important that our best people get the best education to fulfil their potential for themselves and for their communities. Going to Cambridge is about getting the best and is part of a long and bold Scottish tradition of engaging with the world beyond the country’s borders to make a mark, both personally and nationally. Getting more students from Scottish schools to Cambridge is beneficial for Cambridge and for Scotland!